Talk Radio News Service: News, Politics, Media

By Gregory Gorman
December 15, 2004

President's Schedule

This morning the President spoke with Romanian President-elect Basescu. The President pledged to work in close cooperation with the President-elect and to strengthen trans-atlantic ties. The President then had his usual briefings. Today the President will meet with Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi followed by lunch in the residence. McClellan stated that the President believes that Prime Minister Berlusconi is a great friend, a strong leader and values his advice and friendship. McClellan also said that the President thanks the Prime Minister for his support with Italian troops in Iraq and in helping secure Afghanistan, Bosnia and Kosovo. At 1:30 pm, the President will participate in a panel entitled, "High Costs of Lawsuit Abuse," at the White House Conference on the Economy. The President will participate in a second panel tomorrow. Also this afternoon, First Lady Laura Bush will go to the Children's National Medical Center to read to children. This is an annual tradition first started by former First Lady Jackie Kennedy.

Social Security

In response to a question about the President's Social Security plan, McClellan stated that the plan, "is part of a comprehensive solution to strengthen Social Security". According to the White House, the current Social Security system is unsustainable for young workers and the President's new plan will give people ownership in the system through voluntary personal retirement and personal savings accounts.

Equipment Request in Iraq

McClellan was asked about the ongoing issue of the lack of equipment for US troops in Iraq and responded that the White House has not received any formal request from the Department of Defense for equipment. McClellan reiterated that US troops will have all the equipment they need and that the administration will continue to look at the circumstances on the ground to gauge the needs of the troops fighting in Iraq.

White House Conference on the Economy

The President will be speaking on two panels as part of the White House Conference on the Economy taking place today and tomorrow. The President will also give the closing remarks. Today's panel will focus in the high costs of lawsuit abuse, "a priority of the President", according to McClellan.

White House Vetting Process

McClellan refused to comment on the issue of the White House's vetting process for former Secretary of Homeland Security nominee Bernard Kerik. According to McClellan, "we consider this matter closed . . . and we are moving forward with a new nominee".

Organization of American States

The President looks forward to the selection of a new Secretary General for the Organization of American States. The OAS faces some big challenges in consolidating democracy in the region, working on free trade and fighting the drug problem. According to McClellan, the US believes that the OAS, "needs a strong, visionary Secretary General who will make the OAS a vital part of our efforts to meet those challenges".

First Daughter Jenna Bush

McClellan would not comment on the name of the school where Jenna Bush is expected to become a teacher. McClellan would only confirm that she will be teaching in a public school in Washington, DC.